Chapter 14: Like A Predator

It didn’t take Darius long to clear the plates. Eventually, he leaned back in his chair, thoroughly satisfied, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and set it down on the table.

"Alright, I’m done."

The maids immediately rose from the love couch and began clearing the table. Darius let out a loud, unapologetic burp. "Excuse me, ladies."

The women laughed, their cheeks turning red.

​"You are excused, Your Highness," one murmured. Darius winked at her, making her blush deepen as she hurriedly stacked the plates. He was still grinning when another knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," he called, standing from the table.

The door opened to reveal a uniformed palace guard. He stepped inside and offered a crisp, respectful bow. The two maids quickly pushed the cart past him, exiting the suite and closing the door behind them, leaving the two men in private.

"Your Highness."

"How can I help you?" Darius asked.

The guard crossed the room and presented an envelope.

"This arrived for you, Your Highness."

Darius accepted it and examined the seal. The paper felt heavy and slightly textured beneath his fingers. "Did the sender happen to say who it was from?"

"Yes, Your Highness. The messenger stated it was from Lady Rosé," the guard replied diligently. "He claimed you would understand exactly who it was from the moment you heard the name. Our security team has already inspected the item thoroughly, Your Highness. There are no traces of harmful substances or suspicious objects inside."

"Hmm."

A knowing smirk spread across Darius’s face.

He knew damn well the envelope was not actually from that bitch. The Wild Hounds were simply using her name because it was the safest way to ensure the letter reached him without drawing unnecessary attention. He had always known they would eventually reach out, but he honestly had not expected them to be this desperate on his very first day in the palace.

Darius tapped the edge of the envelope against his knuckles.

"I trust your security team didn’t actually open it?" he asked with a pleasant smile.

"Of course not, Your Highness," the guard replied immediately, straightening his posture. "We only check for dangerous materials and hidden objects. Private correspondence remains private."

"Sweet." Darius’s smile widened.

Everything was coming together perfectly.

This was exactly why he had never told the Royal Police who had attacked him. Not even Queen Jane’s tears and concern had convinced him to reveal their names. He was not about to let anyone interfere with his own plans. "You may go."

The guard bowed low.

"Understood, Your Highness."

He turned and left the room.

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, Darius looked down at the envelope in his hands, his smile returning.

"Now, let’s see what those bastards have to say for themselves."

Outside the suite, the guard stopped and pressed a hand against his chest.

That was scary.

He had dealt with nobles, generals, ministers, and even the King himself, yet he had never experienced anything quite like that.

The prince had been smiling the entire time.

So why had it felt like standing in front of a predator?

The guard swallowed and glanced uneasily at the closed door behind him. It seemed the kingdom’s newly found prince was not nearly as harmless as he appeared.

Shaking off the strange chill crawling up his spine, he adjusted his uniform and continued down the corridor.

Back inside his suite, Darius had already torn open the envelope. He pulled out the folded sheet tucked inside and unfolded it with one hand, a slow smile spreading across his face as his eyes scanned the handwritten lines.

The handwriting was neat and surprisingly elegant for someone who ran a gang.

Prince Darius.

Darius’s grin widened instantly.

Prince Darius.

He read the words again, savoring them far more than he probably should have. Being called Prince Darius by a gang leader had a surprisingly nice ring to it. He was definitely never getting tired of that.

Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Leo. I am the leader of the Wild Hounds and, unfortunately, Rosé’s older brother.

Before anything else, I would like to apologize for my sister’s actions. I know there is a very good chance you won’t believe me when I say I was never in support of what happened. Honestly, I wouldn’t believe me either if I were in your position. Nevertheless, I feel obligated to offer my apology on her behalf.

What she did was unacceptable. What my men did was worse. For that, I ask for your forgiveness, though I understand if it is not something you would be willing to give easily.

The reason for this letter is simple. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the matter face-to-face. There are things that need to be said, and I would rather say them myself than hide behind paper and ink.

You may choose the location. If visiting Wild Hounds territory makes you uncomfortable, I am more than willing to come wherever you prefer. All I ask is that you grant me the opportunity to explain myself.

I understand your circumstances have changed considerably in recent weeks, but I hope you will still consider my invitation.

Regardless of your decision, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Respectfully,

Leo Valentine

Leader of the Wild Hounds.

Darius let out a soft chuckle as he finished reading and folded the paper back up.

"Interesting," he muttered, slipping it into his pocket. "I guess I have an invitation to attend."

He headed straight for the door. A few seconds later, he found himself standing outside Basil’s suite.

He frowned as his gaze dropped to the floor.

A tray of untouched food sat abandoned beside the entrance. Darius stared at it, his expression slowly darkening.

"Are they serving him like a dog or something?"

Even if Basil refused to open the door, the meal should have been presented on a proper serving cart, exactly like the one Darius had just been served from. Leaving a cold tray on the godforsaken floor was a blatant insult.

His jaw tightened.

No wonder Basil felt abandoned. No wonder he thought everyone had stopped caring.

Darius walked past the door and marched straight downstairs. The first maid unfortunate enough to cross his path nearly yelped when a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder.

"Your Highness!"